UPDATE 12-15-2012, 6: 00 EST: Jason Letts, 38, a White male from Jemison, Alabama, has been identified as the gunman in the shooting at St. Vincent hospital in Alabama, reports CBS42.com.

Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper stated:

“In light of the recent mass shooting in Connecticut, too many of these incidents end with unimaginable tragedy. I am amazed at the bravery of our officers as they confronted this armed gunman in the hallway. I have absolutely no doubt that their courageous actions at that exact moment saved many lives. All of Birmingham should be proud and appreciative that these are the type of officers that protect our communities every day. The hospital staff and especially the security team should also be commended because they performed with selfless service which contained the incident until the officers’ arrival.”

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An Alabama man was fatally shot by police after opening fire in St. Vincent Hospital, wounding two employees and a policeman.

Birmingham Police Sgt. Johnny Williams says the wounds of the victims are not life-threatening.

Detectives are still working to determine why the armed man was in the hospital.

According to WAFF, News 48, at approximately 4:00 a.m. on the hospital’s fifth floor, the gunman opened fire on the policeman and two employees as they stepped off of the elevator.